What is the best armor set for stealth movement in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The best armor set for stealth movement in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Sheikah Set, also known as the Stealth Set. This set includes the Sheikah Mask, Sheikah Clothes, and Sheikah Leggings. When worn together, the set provides a significant boost to stealth, making it easier for Link to sneak past enemies, wildlife, and other hazards without being detected. The set also grants a Night Speed Up bonus when upgraded to at least two stars, which increases Link's movement speed during nighttime. This makes it ideal for sneaking around at night or completing stealth-based quests.

To obtain the Sheikah Set, you need to visit Kakariko Village, which is one of the first major settlements you encounter in the game. The Sheikah Clothes can be purchased from the clothing shop in Kakariko Village, called Enchanted. The Sheikah Mask and Sheikah Leggings are also available in the same shop. The total cost for the full set is 1,800 Rupees, so make sure you have enough money before heading to the shop. If you're short on Rupees, you can sell valuable items like gems, monster parts, or cooked meals to earn more.

Once you have the Sheikah Set, you can start using it to enhance your stealth capabilities. The set reduces the noise Link makes while moving, making it harder for enemies to hear him. This is particularly useful when trying to sneak up on enemies for stealth strikes or when avoiding detection in enemy camps. The set also makes it easier to approach wildlife, such as deer or foxes, without scaring them away. This is helpful for hunting or completing quests that require you to collect animal parts.

To further enhance the stealth capabilities of the Sheikah Set, you can upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains. Upgrading the set requires specific materials, such as Silent Shrooms, Sunset Fireflies, and Sneaky River Snails. These materials can be found in various locations throughout Hyrule. Silent Shrooms are commonly found in forests and near cliffs, Sunset Fireflies can be caught in grassy areas at night, and Sneaky River Snails are found in shallow water. Collecting these materials can take some time, but the effort is worth it for the increased stealth and additional bonuses.

When using the Sheikah Set, it's important to remember that stealth is not just about avoiding detection. You can also use stealth to your advantage in combat. For example, you can sneak up on enemies and perform a sneak strike, which deals significant damage and often kills weaker enemies in one hit. To perform a sneak strike, crouch and approach an enemy from behind, then press the attack button when prompted. This technique is especially effective when combined with the Sheikah Set's stealth bonus.

One common mistake players make when using the Sheikah Set is forgetting to crouch. Crouching is essential for maximizing stealth, as it reduces the noise Link makes and makes him harder to detect. If you're not crouching, even the Sheikah Set won't be enough to keep you hidden from enemies. Another mistake is not paying attention to the environment. Some surfaces, like metal or gravel, make more noise when walked on, so try to stick to grass or dirt paths when sneaking around.

For advanced players, there are additional ways to optimize the use of the Sheikah Set. For example, you can combine the set with stealth-enhancing elixirs or meals. These can be made by cooking ingredients like Silent Shrooms, Sunset Fireflies, or Sneaky River Snails with monster parts or other materials. The resulting elixirs or meals will temporarily increase your stealth even further, making it nearly impossible for enemies to detect you. This is particularly useful for high-stakes situations, such as infiltrating heavily guarded enemy camps or completing stealth-based shrine quests.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players prefer to use the Dark Link Set, which is obtained from Kilton's Fang and Bone shop. This set also provides a stealth bonus, but it requires Monster Parts to purchase and upgrade. While the Dark Link Set has a unique appearance and can be fun to use, it doesn't offer the same versatility as the Sheikah Set, especially when it comes to the Night Speed Up bonus. Additionally, the Dark Link Set is more expensive and harder to obtain, making the Sheikah Set a more practical choice for most players.

In specific scenarios, the Sheikah Set can be a game-changer. For example, during the "Shrouded Shrine" quest in Kakariko Village, you need to follow a NPC without being detected. The Sheikah Set makes this task much easier, as it reduces the chances of being spotted. Similarly, when hunting for rare animals like the Lord of the Mountain or Blupees, the Sheikah Set allows you to get close without scaring them away. This is essential for completing certain side quests and obtaining valuable materials.

In conclusion, the Sheikah Set is the best armor set for stealth movement in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It provides a significant stealth bonus, reduces noise, and can be upgraded for additional benefits. By following the steps outlined above, you can obtain and optimize the Sheikah Set to enhance your stealth capabilities and tackle the game's challenges more effectively. Whether you're sneaking past enemies, hunting wildlife, or completing stealth-based quests, the Sheikah Set is an invaluable tool for any player looking to master the art of stealth in Hyrule.